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MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has taken oath as the new President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after winning Thursday’s presidential election.
AJK Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram administered the oath to Dr Naqi at a ceremony held at the President’s House in Muzaffarabad.
Naqi Secures 32 Votes
Dr Najeeb Naqi secured 32 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Chaudhry Latif Akbar received 13 votes.
Polling was held at the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat, with 45 of the current 46 members casting their votes. One PPP lawmaker was absent.
Presidential Office Filled After Months
The presidential office had remained vacant since January following the death of former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mahmood.
The election was held to fill the constitutional position for a five-year term. The current Assembly has 46 members, as elections to seven constituencies in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts have been delayed because of the law-and-order situation.
Dr Najeeb Naqi’s Political Career
Dr Najeeb Naqi has previously served as AJK health minister and has also held the education and information technology portfolios.
He entered politics after completing his medical education and has remained involved in AJK politics for several decades.
PML-N Holds Majority in AJK Assembly
The PML-N currently has 31 lawmakers in the 46-member Assembly, while the PPP has 14 members. This gave the PML-N nominee the required numbers for the presidential election.
PM Shehbaz Congratulates Naqi
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Dr Najeeb Naqi on his election as AJK president and expressed hope that he would contribute to the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting development and prosperity in AJK.
